Welcome to Destiny Psychology!

Throughout my career, the one thing I’ve learned above all is the importance of establishing a genuine connection with my clients. Decades of clinical research also confirms that a strong therapist-client relationship is a foundational component for creating a safe space for change in therapy. Here at Destiny Psychology, my therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based clinical expertise with an intentional focus on the therapeutic relationship with all clients served.

If you are facing personal or relationship challenges, I recognize that finding a trustworthy therapist who can provide support for healing and growth is essential. I am a Board-Certified Adult Clinical Psychologist specializing in Couple & Family Therapy with over 20 years of experience across various mental health settings, including non-profits, college counseling centers, VA hospitals, and university medical centers. At Destiny Psychology, whether working with couples, families, or individuals, my goal is to create a safe and collaborative environment where your growth and healing are prioritized.

A little backstory: My journey to psychology actually began after a wonderful career in the performing arts. A career that provided me with many once-in-a-lifetime experiences that I treasure to this day. My arts career provided opportunities to travel, experience different cultures, and perform in numerous productions from New York City to Los Angeles, and as far away as Sydney, Australia. My transition from a performing arts career to a doctoral degree was a long and at times very challenging journey. For example, I once sought Career Transition Counseling at the Screen Actors Guild in Los Angeles, CA, and was informed that I was “too old” to attain a doctoral degree. Undaunted, I pushed forward with the support of professional mentors, family, and friends, driven by the conviction that another rewarding path awaited me if I persevered. During my doctoral studies, I not only gained valuable training in individual mental health challenges [See: Our Services], but also acquired valuable knowledge and training related to the impact of early attachment experiences on interpersonal, romantic, and familial relationships. As I transitioned from my fulltime performing life, I discovered during my doctoral studies that my arts background offered an opportunity to creatively shape a second career as a clinical psychologist in line with my core values.

After earning my doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, completing my Predoctoral Clinical Internship at the Palo Alto VA Healthcare System, and finishing my Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at Stanford University's School of Medicine, I pursued a career with the VA Healthcare System. Over the next 15 years, I served as a Staff Psychologist for the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) in several pivotal roles, including:

• Director of the Couples & Family Program at VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle Division

• National Lead Trainer and Consultant with VA’s Office of Family Services in Washington DC: Providing training, supervision, and consultation in Couples Therapy across the VA Health Care System [Video Promo]

• Clinical Supervisor at American Lake & Seattle VA’s Clinical training programs, including Pre & Postdoctoral Psychology and Psychiatry Residency Training Programs

• Diversity Mentor for Pre & Postdoctoral Psychology Trainees

Today, I recognize that my professional identity is uniquely shaped by my personal lived experiences, my clinical training, decades of experience in clinical practice, and a commitment to serving others. I deeply believe in the transformative healing power of interpersonal connections, healing old wounds and past traumas, and promoting personal growth as we travel through life’s journey. I believe that every individual deserves an opportunity to explore their developmental histories, emotional landscapes, trials and triumphs, and when needed, having the opportunity to work towards building a healthier more fulfilling life with the assistance of therapy services. I look forward to meeting you to discuss your goals for therapy at this time.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION ACTIVITY: As a Board-Certified Couple & Family Psychologist with the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), I also have the privilege of serving on the Executive Board of the American Board of Couple and Family Psychology.

TEACHING/SUPERVISION/MENTORING: My commitment to teaching and training the next generation of couple and family clinicians is reflected in throughout my career in the VA. Currently, I maintain a faculty affiliation as Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine where I serve as the Rotation Supervisor for Psychiatry Resident’s training in Couple & Family Therapy [See: Faculty Page].

CLINICAL/ORGANIZATIONAL CONSULTATION: As a Clinical Consultant, I’ve had the privilege of  working across the United States and Internationally providing professional consultation services at the individual and organizational level with an emphasis on topics such as: Couple Therapy Training, Consultation, & Certification, Organizational Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Initiatives, and Program Development initiatives for several organizations around the United States, including: Federal Way Vet Center (Federal Way, WA), UCAN Chicago (Chicago, IL), Gay Men’s Health Crisis (New York City), Cohen Veterans Network (National), Veteran’s Health Administration: Office of Family Services (Washington, DC), as well as Private Clinical Consultation clients.